70mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Compared: Featuring 700Mm Focal Lengths for Sharp Detail

The Verdict, and the Basis for It

The HSL 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescope is the best 70mm Refractor Telescope because its f/5 7 focal ratio provides a high-magnification balance for viewing lunar and Earth objects.

Choosing between different focal lengths often leads to buying a telescope that cannot provide the specific magnification needed for clear lunar crater views. Selecting a model with an incorrect focal ratio can result in blurry images that make high-magnification viewing frustrating for beginners.

The HSL 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescope solves this by offering a 400mm focal length and an f/5 7 ratio for bright, clear images. You should choose the 70mm Aperture 700mm Focal Length Refractor Telescope if you prefer a longer reach, or the ESSLNB Telescope 700X70mm if you require a 3x Barlow lens for higher magnification.

We evaluated the refractor telescope options we track against this topic’s criteria at RecommendedOptics. The price range for these three models spans from $129.99 to $179.99, with a median price of $129.99.

You can find a detailed spec breakdown in our full TourStar Pro 90 review.

Full Comparison Table

Prices are approximate and move frequently – check the current price before deciding. “Not stated” means the manufacturer listing does not give that figure – we do not estimate it.

The HSL 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescope offers the strongest price-to-spec ratio because it provides high-magnification 100X viewing at the $129.99 price point.

Each Pick, Reviewed

The 3 picks below run from $129.99 to $179.99, reviewed in rank order.

HSL 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescope

The HSL 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescope made this list because it maintains a 4.3 rating while offering a unique 400mm focal length for wide-field viewing.

What we like: This refractor telescope features a 400mm focal length, which provides a shorter focal length than the 700mm alternatives. The 70mm aperture clears the 70mm threshold required to resolve lunar craters and Jupiter’s moons clearly. It includes three eyepieces providing up to 100x magnification and a 5×24 viewfinder for easier positioning.

Keep in mind: The 400mm focal length makes this model less suited for high-magnification planetary detail compared to longer-focal-length options. This model is better for those prioritizing a compact design over extreme zoom.

70mm Aperture 700mm Focal Length Refractor Telescope

We selected the 70mm Aperture 700mm Focal Length Refractor Telescope for its balance of a 4.1 rating and a longer 700mm focal length for planetary observation.

What we like: This telescope offers a 700mm focal length, which is a longer focal length than the HSL model, making it better for high-magnification views of planets. The 70mm aperture meets the 70mm threshold for clear lunar and Jovian imaging. It includes a stainless steel adjustable tripod and a phone adapter for mobile photography.

Keep in mind: At the $179.99 price point, this is the most expensive option on our list. It is best for buyers who need the extra reach of a 700mm focal length for specific planetary targets.

ESSLNB Telescope 700X70mm with K4/10/20 Eyepices

The ESSLNB Telescope 700X70mm with K4/10/20 Eyepieces earned a spot here due to its 4.0 rating and the inclusion of a 3x Barlow lens for increased magnification.

What we like: This model provides a 700mm focal length and a 70mm aperture that clears the 70mm threshold for lunar and planetary resolution. It includes three replaceable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens to reach up to 525x magnification. The inclusion of an erect-image red dot finder helps with accurate object tracking.

Keep in mind: While the 525x magnification is a high theoretical limit, the 70mm aperture may struggle to provide sharp images at those extreme levels. This is a strong choice for those who want the highest possible magnification range for the price.

For those seeking a larger aperture, see the best 90mm refractor telescope options.

What Separates One Refractor Telescope From the Next

Focal Length Ratio

Focal length determines the magnification potential and field of view for your refractor telescope. For planetary viewing, a longer 700mm focal length provides higher magnification, while a shorter 400mm focal length offers a wider field of view for large nebulae. The HSL 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescope uses a 400mm focal length, making it a “travel” style scope that prioritizes portability over high-power zoom. In contrast, the 70mm Aperture 700mm Focal Length Refractor Telescope and the ESSLNB Telescope both offer 700mm, providing the higher magnification needed for lunar detail. To avoid blurry images at high zoom caused by chromatic aberration, check if the model uses apochromatic (ED) glass; since these models use standard coated glass, you should avoid pushing the magnification to the extreme limits of the provided eyepieces.

Optical Coating Type

Optical coating determines how much light reaches your eye and how much color fringing occurs. Look for “multi-fully coated” or “highly translucent” coatings to ensure the telescope captures enough light for dim objects. All three models we evaluated—the HSL, the 700mm focal length model, and the ESSLNB—feature fully coated optical glass. These coatings help mitigate the common issue of purple fringing around bright stars, though you should still check the specific glass type if you require professional-grade color correction.

Mount Stability

Mount stability ensures your image does not drift off-target the moment you balance the telescope. A stable mount is often the difference between a usable view and a frustrating experience. The 70mm Aperture 700mm Focal Length Refractor Telescope and the ESSLNB Telescope both include stainless steel adjustable tripods to provide a sturdy base. The HSL 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescope uses a multi-angle adjustable tripod, which is more suitable for quick setup but may offer less rigidity for heavy, long-focal-length observations.

Included Eyepiece Set

Included eyepiece sets define your initial magnification range without requiring extra purchases. The HSL 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescope includes 20mm, 10mm, and 4mm eyepieces to provide a range of 20x to 100x magnification. The ESSLNB Telescope provides K4, K10, and K20 eyepieces, which, when paired with its included 3x Barlow lens, can reach up to 525x magnification. While the 70mm Aperture 700mm Focal Length Refractor Telescope offers a 28x-210x range, you should verify the specific focal lengths of the included lenses to ensure they match your desired magnification targets.

Tube Diameter

Tube diameter, or aperture, determines the light-gathering power of the refractor telescope. A 70mm aperture is the specific threshold required to resolve lunar craters and Jupiter’s moons clearly. Each of the three models we compared—the HSL, the 700mm focal length model, and the ESSLNB—clears this 70mm threshold. Because these models share the same 70mm aperture, the primary difference in performance will come from their varying focal lengths rather than their light-gathering capacity.

Understanding your needs is easier when you learn the different types of refractor telescopes.

What You Need vs What These Picks Deliver

Match the job you actually need done to what it requires, then check whether anything on this page reaches that level. Where nothing does, the row says so.

Thresholds are the levels this category is generally held to, not manufacturer claims. Check them against your own workload before buying.

Who Buys Refractor Telescopes, and What It Really Costs

Questions Buyers Ask Before Choosing

How much will I spend on extra accessories like eyepieces and mounts?

The HSL 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescope includes three premium eyepieces (20mm, 10mm, and 4mm) and a 5×24 viewfinder scope, which covers basic requirements for a starter setup. While the ESSLNB Telescope 700X70mm includes a 3x Barlow lens and a smartphone adapter, you should check the specific focal length of any additional eyepieces you plan to buy to ensure they remain compatible with the 700mm or 400mm focal lengths.

Is it hard to keep the telescope steady on a tripod at 70mm?

Stability depends on the mount, as a shaky tripod causes the image to drift off-target the moment the telescope is balanced. The 70mm Aperture 700mm Focal Length Refractor Telescope uses a full-size stainless steel adjustable tripod, while the ESSLNB Telescope 700X70mm utilizes an Altazimuth stainless steel adjustable tripod to help maintain a steady view.

Which 70mm refractor telescope should I buy for high-power lunar viewing?

If you prioritize high-magnification views of the moon, the HSL 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescope offers a 4mm eyepiece that provides 100X magnification. The ESSLNB Telescope 700X70mm also provides high-power options, reaching up to 525X magnification when used with its included 3x Barlow lens.

Is the 70mm aperture sufficient for seeing craters?

Yes, a 70mm aperture clears the 70mm threshold required to resolve lunar craters and Jupiter’s moons clearly. All three evaluated models, including the HSL, the 700mm focal length model, and the ESSLNB, meet this specific requirement.

Who Should Skip These Refractor Telescopes

Buyers often select a telescope based on magnification numbers alone, which can lead to blurry images if the aperture is too small. For example, while the ESSLNB Telescope 700X70mm with K4/10/20 Eyepieces can reach 525X magnification, the 70mm aperture limits the usable clarity at those extreme levels.

If you require high-contrast planetary and lunar imaging, you need a 3-inch to 4-inch ED refractor. None of the models on this page reach that standard because they do not use the extra-low dispersion glass required to eliminate color fringing at high magnifications.

If you need a telescope that provides professional-grade imaging for deep-space objects, you should look for a larger aperture than 70mm.